TV Tokyo takes animated ‘Monsuno’ series

Jakks, U.S. arm of Dentsu, Fremantle among producers

TV Tokyo has picked up broadcast rights to “Monsuno,” an original animated series targeting boys, which toymaker Jakks Pacific is producing with the U.S. arm of Japanese ad giant Dentsu and FremantleMedia Enterprises.

Series will bow in October on Tokyo TV, a channel specializing in anime programming.

Nickelodeon has already agreed to air the series in the U.S. and in over 60 countries this fall.

“Securing placement on TV Tokyo fulfills the vision for global TV and toy distribution that Jakks shared with its partners at the outset of the ‘Monsuno’ program,” said Jeremy Padawer, exec VP, marketing and business development, Jakks Pacific.

Producers plan to make 52 episodes of “Monsuno,” aimed at boys 6-11, as an action adventure where kids are imbued with the power to command and battle creatures with amazing destructive potential. Jakks Pacific will produce action figures, gadgets and collectibles around the show.

Jakks Pacific is treating the property as an inhouse entertainment franchise it can launch across various platforms to promote the toy line, similar to how Hasbro has recently grown “Transformers” or Saban is rebooting “Power Rangers.”

“Having a USA-developed series air on one of the top destinations for animation programming is a great accomplishment and a testament to the global appeal of Monsuno,” said Yuma Sakata, president of Dentsu Entertainment USA.